Library warning

By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong council officers can “look for a job somewhere else” if they allow the Springvale Town Hall and Library to be sold off.
That’s the opinion of Keyborough South Ward councillor and new mayor Peter Brown, who last weekend was voted back on to council by an absolute majority over opposing candidates Halime Duzen and Sophaneth Tan.
Cr Brown gave an impassioned victory speech at Sunday night’s Declaration of Poll, warning council staff that any attempt to sell off Springvale’s library and town hall would result in a “path to a dead end’’ for their careers.
Details of the proposed selloff are outlined in the Springvale Activity Centre Structure Plan, which is on public display until 9 December.
Fellow councillor and Springvale Library and Town Hall advocate, Youhorn Chea, was also returned by voters, with new faces Alan Gordon elected to Springvale North Ward, and former councillor Yvonne Herring elected to Springvale South Ward.
Cr Brown said based on opinions put forward by residents during his doorknocking campaign, his seat and other relevant wards were won on the issue of the sale of Springvale’s important assets, which he said a majority of residents want retained.
“Don’t waste your time,” he warned council staff.
“Look for a job somewhere else; these facilities are not to be eyed off by developers.
“The council elections have shown what we are here for, they have shown (the council officers) these facilities are not for sale.”
But Dandenong North Ward councillor John Kelly said original plans were only for discussion, and could have resulted in improved facilities for Springvale.
“We all agreed at council last year to look at all our land holdings, not saying we would sell them, but to see how to best get the benefit to the community.
“I think it was pretty negative some comments made by councillors during that campaign.
“No one said we were going to sell any buildings, and my understanding would be that people in Springvale could get a new hall and new library out of it; much better facilities, but anyway, that is now not going to be the case.”
Springvale North Ward councillor Alan Gordon said he would support Cr Brown, but added the hall and library were important but not crucial issues to being elected in his ward.
Springvale Traders’ Association president Le Hoa Wysham said councillors who pledged their support to retain the assets would be carefully scrutinised when the new council makes its decision on the proposed Springvale Activity Centre Structure Plan.